BONVALOT, Pierre Gabriel Édouard. Épagne (Aube) 13.7.1853 — Auteuil, Paris 10.12.1933. French Central Asian Explorer. Son of Pierre Bonvalot and Louise-Félicie Congniasse des Jardins, school in Troyes. In 1880-82 and 1886-87 expeditions to Russian Central Asia. In 1889-90 with Prince Henri of Orléans through Russia to Chinese Central Asia, then through Tian Shan Mountains, Tarim Basin and Lop Nor to Tibet. Just before reaching Lhasa the expedition was detained by Tibetan officials and forced to go over the eastern plateau to China. Later on engaged in politics, promoting French colonial interests. In 1912-20 mayor of Brienne-le-Château (Aube). Légion d’honneur 1888, officer 1897.
Publications: En Asie Centrale. De Moscou en Bactriane. 1884.
– En Asie Centrale. Du Kohistan à la Caspienne. Paris 1885.
– Du Caucase aux Indes, à travers le Pamir. Paris 1888.
– Through the Heart of Asia Over the Pamir to India. 1889.– De Paris au Tonkin à travers le Tibet inconnu, ouvrage contenant cent huit illustrations d’après les photographies prises par le prince Henri d’Orléans. 510 p. Paris 1892.
– L’Asie inconnue, à travers le Tibet. 388 p. P. 1896; other works, many also in English translation.
Sources: P. Hopkirk, Trespassers on the Roof of the World. L 1982, 78-83 with photo; *G. Jouneau & G. Berger, Un grand français: G.B., explorateur. P. 1939; Wikipedia with photo (see also French version).